The Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer and precancerous cells of the cervix. While cervical cancer is rare (about 10,000 new cases per year in the US), the precancerous cells are quite common. In fact, over 3 million women are diagnosed with an abnormal Pap every year. You will receive your Pap smear results within one week. 

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a group of symptoms that are related to hormonal changes due to the menstrual cycle. About 40% have some symptoms of PMS and 7% suffer from severe symptoms.

A Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure, or LEEP, is an effective therapy for precancerous cells on the cervix. This procedure is usually done to treat women who have severe cervical dysplasia or mild dysplasia that has persisted for more than a year. It is performed in the office and cures the condition in 98% of cases.

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted disease. There are over 50 different strains of HPV. Some strains cause genital warts while others cause abnormal Paps and cervical cancers. 

One of the most important aspects of the annual wellness exam with your gynecologist is the screening for cancers of the female reproductive tract. Many of these diseases can be cured if detected early. You should notify your doctor if you have abdominal pain, changes in your menstrual cycles, or bleeding after menopause.

STD is an acronym that means “sexually transmitted disease.” “STI” is also used for “sexually transmitted infection”; both mean the same thing. That does not mean that you must have sexual intercourse to get the infection.

Genital warts are raised, asymptomatic lesions that occur on the vulva, mons pubis, or near the rectum.  They occur because of exposure to HPV, especially types 6 or 11.  Your doctor can usually make the diagnosis by looking at them or by doing a biopsy.

BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are genes that suppress tumor growth.  If you have a mutation in either of these genes, you have an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. 

A bone density test is a special X-ray that screens for osteoporosis and thinning of the bones.  It measures how much calcium and other bone minerals are present.

Endometriosis is a chronic and painful condition in which the tissue lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterine region. Parts of the body affected by endometriosis include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines and pelvis. Endometriosis is not typically considered dangerous, but it can cause pain and possibly even infertility. 

Pelvic pain is a symptom that affects many women due to a variety of reasons. It is usually described as a sharp pain in the abdominal region below the belly button. Pelvic pain can be intermittent or constant with accompanying symptoms, causing much distress and a compromised quality of life.

Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life and occurs when the ovaries stop producing hormones. During this time, women stop having their menstrual cycle and are no longer fertile.

Prior to insertion of an IUD, your doctor will do a pelvic exam to assess the size, shape, and position of your uterus. In addition, vaginal cultures may be collected to assure that you do not have any vaginal or cervical infections that could contaminate the IUD and cause a pelvic infection. On the day of your IUD appointment, you should take 2 Motrin or Advil about one hour before the scheduled insertion.

Fibroids, or uterine leiomyoma, are benign tumors of the uterus that develop from smooth muscle cells. Over 30% of women have uterine fibroids. The cause of their growth is unknown, but there is a genetic predisposition. Thankfully, in most cases, fibroids do not cause any symptoms or require treatment.

Birth control and contraceptives are methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy by preventing the sperm to fertilize the egg. Birth control and contraceptives are not all the same. Birth control does not prevent the transmission of diseases, whereas contraceptives, such as condoms, are able to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy by creating a barrier.

Abnormal bleeding is vaginal bleeding or spotting that occurs between cycles or that is heavier than normal. Bleeding that happens after menopause is also considered abnormal and should be addressed.

A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive examination of the female pelvis. It is one of the best tests for evaluating the uterus and ovaries. In this exam, a transducer is placed either on the belly (abdominal ultrasound) or into the vagina (vaginal ultrasound). The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off the organs and return to the transducer. These waves are then converted into a picture a screen. There is no radiation in this procedure.